Frequently asked questions

Cash ratings explained

Safe testing explained

Fire Ratings explained

Why Burton Safes?

Why do I need a Safe?

Cash ratings explained

Security Safes are generally classified in terms of cash ratings. A cash rating is the level of cover that an underwriter will give to the contents of the safe and can generally be multiplied by 10 times for jewellery or similar valuables. A cash rating is therefore also a very good indication of the security level of the safe, the higher the rating, the more security is offered.

You should note that different insurance companies ratings vary and higher or lower cover can sometimes be applied depending on the individual circumstances of a property. If it is important you should always check with your insurance company before purchasing a safe.

Safe testing

Since the late 1990’s there have been European Attack Test Standards that have been widely recognised by the insurance industry. These offer both the consumer and the insurer an independent, unbiased opinion on the security level of a safe. Burton Safes fully support the independent testing of safes and we have put the vast majority of our product range through European and UK tests where there an appropriate standard exists.

In recent years it has become apparent that not all test centres apply the European Standard as rigourously as others. As members of Eurosafe UK, Burton Safes strongly recommend testing/certification via an EFSG (European Fire & Security Group) member - ECBS, VDS, SBSC, ICIM, CNPP- or the LPCB. EFSG members share data and information on current attack techniques, as well as moderating each others' testing. This ensures that the standard is applied euqally and just as imoprtantly to a, reliable level. If you purchase a safe that is certified by any other institution, you risk that safe not offering the expected level of security.

Below is a summary of the various standards that our safes are tested and certified to, along with their equivalent Cash Rating.

EN14450
S1: £2000 Cash Rating
S2: £4000 Cash Rating

EN1143-1
Grade 0: £6000 Cash Rating
Grade 1: £10,000 Cash Rating
Grade 2: £17,500 Cash Rating
Grade 3: £35,000 Cash Rating
Grade 4: £60,000 Cash Rating
Grade 5: £100,000 Cash Rating
Grade 6: £150,000 Cash Rating
Grade 7 - £250,000 Cash Rating
Grade 8 - £400,000 Cash Rating
Grade 9 - £650,000 Cash Rating
Grade 10 - £1,000,000 Cash Rating
Grade 11 - £1,500,000 Cash Rating
Grade 12 – £2,250,000 Cash Rating
Grade 13 - £3,500,000 Cash Rating

Please note that in addition to the above we also offer our own in-house quick reference guide to the security offered by our products accross our entire range (see the black security chain symbol). The higher the number the higher the security level that is offered.

AIS Approved

Where you see the AIS (Association of Insurance Surveyors) logo on our products you can rest assured that this safe will be given its full rating by all major UK insurers. The badge means that the AIS have been given a copy of the test certificate and have recognised it to be a)valid and b) from a reputable test house. The safe will be listed in their Official Safe List that is used by many insurance companies around the country.

Fire Ratings

Many, safes in the Burton product range will offer some protection from fire. However, like the cash ratings on a security safe, there are different levels of fire protection. There are European and American standards for fire protection which offer reliable, unbiased opinions on the reliability of a fire safe. These are generally broken down into safes that will protect paper documents and those that will protect computer media. The later is destroyed at a much lower temperature and so a specialist datasafe is required. Below is a list of the fire safe standards that our safes are tested to.

Please note that plate/single walled safes offer very limited protection against fire. You should also be very wary of any models which claim to have in-house tests, rather than official ratings. Any of our safes that have been independently fire tested are clearly labelled as such. We also show an in-house guide to the level of proetction offered across our entire range (see the red/organge flame symbol). The higher the number, the greater the fire protection that is offered.

Independent tests for paper documents

EN15659 LFS 30P: 30 minutes fire protection for paper at temperatures of up to 900oC

EN15659 LFS 60P: 60 minutes fire protection for paper at temperatures of up to 900oC

UL 72 Class 350: 60 minutes fire protection for paper at temperatures of up to 900oC

NT FIRE 017 60P: 60 minutes fire protection for paper at temperatures of up to 900ºC

Independent tests for computer media

EN1047 60D: 60 minutes fire protection for data/computer media at temperatures of up to 900ºC.

EN1047 60D: 90 minutes fire protection for data/computer media at temperatures of up to 900ºC.

EN1047 60D: 120 minutes fire protection for data/computer media at temperatures of up to 900ºC.

Why Burton Safes?

A brand you can trust - Burton Safes have been trading for 23 years and have built a well earned reputation for product quality, reliability and good customer service. We are active members of both ESSA (the European trade assocation of physical security manufcaturers) and Eurosafe UK (the UK safe industry's leading trade body). We are also members of the Police run initiative Secured by Design, the Master Locksmiths Assocation and Raid Control. We hold ISO9001 accreditation and we are Safecontractor Approved.

Tested products - It is Burton Safes policy to get all products independently tested where there is an applicable standard. This gives both you and your insurance company peace of mind that your safe is of the highest standards and will perform to the level required. We strongly beleive in using test houses and certification bodies with a good repuation, that are recognised by all major UK insurers. We currently use the following institutions to test and certify our safes: ECBS, VDS, SSF/SBSC, IG/ICIM and Sold Secure.

High quality product - We pride ourselves in offering good quality products. We realise that our long term reputation depends on it and work hard to ensure that all customers receive a good experience. We have rigorous quality control checks both at our factories and in our warehouse.

2 Year Warranty - All Burton Safes branded products carry a minimum 2 year warranty in respect of materials & workmanship*. Proline products have an extended 3 year warranty. Please note that Keyguard Security branded products carry a 12 month warranty.

Vast product range - As safe specialists we have one of the largest ranges available in the UK. Most of our product lines are carried in stock and are therefore available within 2-3 working days.

Customisation - If you cannot find the safe you are looking for in our standard product range then we will make it for you. We supply a large number of special production and customised safes to our customers every year. So whether you would like your safe painted pink or you require a very specialised function to solve a particular problem, Burton Safes can help you.

Expert advise - We know our market very well and are always on hand to answer your queries and give you the best impartial advise. We have a team of engineers, installers and salesmen who can visit site to discuss your issues in more detail, if your query cannot be answered over the phone.

Nationwide coverage, including over 200 stockists - We supply our safes via a nationwide network of resellers. There are over 600 resellers in total, with around 200 carrying stock that you can go and look at. These stockists can not only show you the product but can also advise, install and service your safe in future years. Our large coverage of resellers means that you can deal with a local company and benefit from all of the advantages that brings.

*warranty on the lock is limited to that offered by the lock's manufacturer.

Why do I need a Safe?

Business/Commercial Safes: Retailers, Financial Institutions, Bookmakers:

Any business that deals in cash should own a safe to protect against losses through Robbery, Burglary and Internal Fraud. They should also consider the deterrent effect of owning a safe in securing the safety of their staff and avoiding damage to wider store property.

Government:

Any sensitive government data should be stored in a safe or secure cabinet to protect against theft, espionage or fire.

Pharmaceutical:

Pharmaceutical companies need safes and Strongrooms for storing “Controlled Drugs” in line with Home Office guidelines and also for storing confidential documents.

Solicitors/Accountants:

Should have safes and/or secure cabinets to store confidential data against loss through fire or theft.

Hotels:

Should have room safes or safe deposit boxes for guest usage. They should also have cash safes for the reception areas.

Other businesses:

Should have a safe to store petty cash and confidential documents against theft or fire.

Residential/Home Safes?

Often people are required to have a home safe by their insurance company if they own valuable items.

However, we believe that everyone should own a safe to store important and confidential documentation, family heirlooms, general valuables, jewellery, computer and camera equipment. Once people start to think about their possessions and what they would loath to lose the list stacks up. Customers who buy safes often say they find more and more valuables that they wish to store away. The list below is a suggestion of some of the items you should consider protecting.